ed Mrs. Smiley, drinking
in the beauty of the scene with genuine delight.

"Please to step inside. Now, it is about the arrangement of the doors,
windows, closets, and all that, I wanted advice. I am told that ladies
claim to understand these things better than men."

"They ought, I am sure, since the house is alone their realm. What a
charming room! So light, so airy, with such a view! and the doors and
windows in the right places, too. And this cunning little porch towards
the west! I'm glad you have that porch, Mr. Rumway. I have always said
every house should have a sunset porch. I enjoy mine so much these
lovely summer evenings."

And so they went through the house: she delighted with it, in the main,
but making little suggestions, here and there; he palpitating with her
praises, as if they had been bestowed on himself. And, indeed, was not
this house a part of himself, having so many of his sweetest hopes built
into it? For what higher proof does a man give of a worthy love then in
constructing a bright and cheerful shelter for the object of it--than in
making sure of a fitting home?

"It will lack nothing," she said, as they stood together again on the
"sunset porch," talking of so grouping the shrubbery as not to intercept
the view.

"Except a mistress," he added, turning his eyes upon her face, full of
intense meaning. "With the right woman in it, it will seem perfect to
me, without her, it is nothing but a monument of my folly. There is but
one woman I ever want to see in it. Can you guess who it is? Will you
come?"

Mrs. Smiley looked up into the glowing face bent over her, searching the
passionate dark eyes with her clear, cool gaze; while slowly the
delicate color crept over face and neck, as her eyes fell before his
ardent looks, and she drew in her breath quickly.

"I, I do not know; there are so many things to think of."

"What things? Let me help you consider them. If you mean--"

"O, mamma, mamma!" shouted Willie, from the street. "Here we are, and
I've had such a splendid time. We've got some fish for you, too. Are you
coming right home?" And there, on the sidewalk, was Chillis, carrying a
basket, with his hat stuck full of flowers, and as regardless as a child
of the drollery of his appearance.

Mrs. Smiley started a little as she caught the expression of his face,
thinking it did not comport with the holiday appearance of his
habiliments, and hastened at once to obey its silent appeal. R